Advocacy
Advocacy is one of the three central pillars of the mission of Episcopal Appalachian Ministries.
For Episcopalian Christians, justice flows naturally from the Baptismal vows to "seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbors as yourself," and to "strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being." (Book of Common Prayer, pg. 304).
Because of the many challenges to the economic, social, and physical well being of Appalachians, advocacy is one of the three central pillars of the mission of Episcopal Appalachian Ministries. Crucial issues facing Appalachians include employment, economic development, education, and environmental degradation. Current advocacy foci for EAM include welfare reform, the devastation caused by mountaintop removal/valley fill in coal mining areas, and efforts to improve the quality of public schools serving urban or rural Appalachian neighborhoods.
EAM can connect you with activist groups working on all these and other issues affecting Appalachian people. To network, contact diocesan Appalachian consultant Mike Maloney at meamon@aol.com. You are welcome to send your e-mail address to Mike, who will keep you informed of policy issues, regional conferences, and opportunities for action.
Another great resource is the diocese's Social Justice Network, coordinated by the Rev Richard Burnett. This is a group of lay people and clergy throughout this diocese who are working on social justice. Without deluging you with e-mail, this list serve will keep you apprised of pending legislation and opportunities for input. Members of the list serve also post vital information on breaking news and action at the grassroots and regional level. To join the list, send a note to Richard at r-Burnett@trinitycolumbus.org.
Finally, to stay connected with public policy at the national level, join the Episcopal Public Policy Network (EPPN). EPPN will send you a booklet of current resolutions of the Episcopal Church that relate to public policy, and will inform you of pending bills in Congress. To get on EPPN's e-mail list, see http://www.episcopalchurch.org/eppn.